There is emerging evidence regarding type 2 diabetes (usually non-insulin dependent) as a potential risk factor for bowel cancer, however further research is required.

REMEMBER: However old you are, you should never be told by your doctor that you are too young to have bowel cancer. Whilst bowel cancer is more common in people aged 50 and over, bowel cancer increasingly affects all age groups.

If you are experiencing symptoms, do not accept 'you're too young to have bowel cancer' as an explanation - ask your doctor to be referred for further investigations.